Saint of the day January 11, 2025

St. Theodosius was born to a pious family. He began his studies at an early age, and became a lector while still a youth. The example of Abraham led him to leave home in order to properly follow God. He met Saint Simeon Stylites in Antioch; Simeon recognized him as a holy man and leader and invited Theodosius onto his pillar for prayer, blessing, and advice. He traveled to Jerusalem where legend says that he worked with Saint Longinus the Centurian, who would have been nearly 500 years old at the time.

He was a hermit in the desert of Judah, living in a cave. Word of his holiness began to attract disciples, and Theodosius built a monastery at Cathismus to house them. There were so many there had to be a section for Greeks, for Armenians, for Persians, etc., but they all happily worked and prayed together. Next to the monastery, he built a hospital for the sick, a hospice for the aged, and a mental hospital. He was a friend of and co-worker with Saint Sabbas. He was appointed visitor to all cenobitical communities of Palestine which was the patriarch of Jerusalem.

He opposed heresies, including Eutychianism and Monophysitism. Emperor Anastatius, a supporter of Eutychianism, sent Theodosius a large bribe, hoping to sway the influential monk to his thinking; Theodosius distributed the money to the poor, and continued to preach against heresy. Because of his orthodox views, Anastatius removed him from his position in 513, but he soon resumed his duties under Emperor Justinian.

In poor health in his old age, he was stricken with a condition that made his skin dry as stone. He continued to work until his health gave out, and then he spent his time praying for his community. He died at age 105.

Reflection

St. Theodosius the Cenobiarch is revered as the patron saint of monastic communities and those who seek a life of solitude, contemplation, and spiritual growth. His legacy is particularly significant in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, where he is celebrated for his contributions to the development of communal monasticism. St. Theodosius’s dedication to a life of prayer, asceticism, and the care of the poor continues to inspire individuals on their spiritual journeys today.